Government administrator Rasool Khan said no soldiers were wounded in Tuesday's fighting but did not give any details on potential militant casualties. A search operation launched in the attack's aftermath netted 39 suspected militants from nearby areas, he said.

Information from Pakistan's tribal regions is difficult to verify independently. The tribal belt is a dangerous territory, and access is restricted.

The army occasionally launches crackdowns in the tribal areas and other parts of Pakistan, taking into custody numerous young men deemed militant suspects. Some are later freed, but many end up being held for lengthy periods of time without trial or proof of their involvement in militant activity.